On the northern side of the village of Kousba, is the monastery of Our Lady of Hamatoura, built in the rocky hollow of a high cliff which overlooks the holy valley of Kadisha. Hamatoura is 84km from Beirut.
The church of Saint Jacob is the most ancient part of the monastery, belonging to the 4th century, while a large cross from the 7th century rises above the outer doorway. Some quite well preserved frescoes dating back to the middle ages cover the walls of the church, one of which shows the Holy Virgin, Queen of Heaven, seated on a throne with the Child Jesus on her knees.
Near the monastery are two venerable churches, one dedicated to Saint Michael and the other to Saint John the Baptist. On the top of the hill one can see the church of St. George. Close by the monastery is a rocky cave where one may perceive the base of a stalagmite, where barren women come to pray in the hope of bearing a child, for this grotto was dedicated to the pagan goddess of fecundity.
Late in the 13th century, at Our Lady Monastery in Hamatoura, Saint Jacob began his ascetic life. Later, when the monastery was destroyed by the Mamlukes, he reestablished monasticism along the perimeter of the ruined monastery. In time, he rebuilt the monastery, regenerating and giving renewed vigor to monastic life in the area. His spiritual briskness, vivacity, and popularity among believers drew the attention of the Mamelukes who set their minds to stop his verve and determination and force him to convert to Islam. He stubbornly refused their relentless pressures. The Mamlukes killed him and burned the church. Today, believers and pilgrims are constantly reporting his apparitions, miraculous healings and other Grace-filled deeds.
بُنيت سنة ١٤٧٠ بحسب تأريخ الشدياق انطونيوس العنطوري، وورد ذكرها كذلك مع البطريرك اسطفانوس الدويهيّ في تاريخ الأزمنة. البناء الحاليّ يعود لسنة ١٨٦٨، لكنّ الكنيسة رُممّت ووسّعت على عدّة مراحل. تتميّز الكنيسة بعقدها المصالب ذات اللونين وهو من حجر مقالع البلدة المحليّ. في سبعينيّات القرن العشرين أضاف أحد أبناء البلدة المغترين قبّة الساعة. تضمّ الكنيسة ثلاث لوحات للفنّان داوود القرم، أمّا الزجاجيّات فهي من عمل الأب عبده بدوي.
The church of Sts Sergius and Bacchus - Tourza
The church was built in 1470 according to the chronicles of the Subdeacon Antonyos El Aintoury, and it is also mentioned in Patriarch Stephen El Douaihy's "History of the Times". The current building dates back to 1868, yet the church was restored and enlarged on many occasions. The church consists of a crossed vault with two colors stones from the local quaries. During the seventies an emigrant donated the unique clock tower. The church holds three paintings from Dawoud Al Qorm dating back to 1892, and stained glass windows by Fr Abdo Badawi.
سنة ١٧٠٨ وصل ثلاثة رهبان أرمن إلى لبنان لتأسيس رهبانيّة أرمنيّة، فأوقف لهم الشّيخ صخر الخازن، أراضًا في وادي غوسطا سنة ١٧١٦. فأنشىء الرهبان إكليريكيّة وامتدّ بناء الدير والكنيسة إلى سنة ١٧٣٣. سنة ١٨٦٥ اشترى الخوري يوحنّا حبيب (المطران لاحقًا)، الدّير من الرّهبان الأرمن حيث انتقل هؤلاء إلى بزمّار، وأسّس جمعيّة المرسلين اللّبنانيّين في الدّير مع العديد من الكهنة وفي مقدَّمهم الخوري إسطفان قزاح، الرّئيس العام الأوّل. إهتمّ الكريميوّن ووسّعوه.. وقد كان هذا الدّير ملجأً للعديد من المهجّرين والمشرّدين والجياع والهاربين من ظلم السّلطات العثمانيّة. خضع البناء لعدّة عمليّات ترميم كان آخرها سنة ٢٠١٣. كان الدّير مركزًا للرّئاسة العامّة للجمعية حتّى العام ١٩٢١، وهو حاليًّا ديراً للابتداء، توجد فيه كنيسة المُخلّص وتحوي لوحةً زيتيّةً قديمة،، تدعى "الثّالوث المتألّم"، ولوحة أخرى أرمنيّة للميلاد. وفي الكنيسة أيضًا مدافن عائدة إلى كلّ من المطران يوحنّا الحبيب مؤسّس الجمعيّة، والخوري اسطفان قزاح رئيسها العام الأوّل، والمطران شكرالله خوري، .
The Holy Savior Monastery - Kreim Ghosta
The monastery was established in 1708 by three Armenian monks who arrived in Lebanon with the intention of creating an Armenian monastic order. Located in Wadi Ghosta, Lebanon, the monastery's history is intertwined with various events and figures over the centuries. In 1716, Sheikh Sakhr al-Khazen granted the Armenian monks lands in Wadi Ghosta, enabling them to establish their monastic order. The construction of the monastery and church complex took several decades, finally extending until 1733. It served as a seminary, providing education and spiritual guidance to the community. Fast forward to 1865, and the ownership of the monastery changed hands. Father John Habib, who later became a Bishop, purchased the monastery from the Armenian monks. With this transaction, the Armenian monks relocated to Bzommar, and Father John Habib initiated the Lebanese Missionaries Congregation within the monastery. Many priests were part of this association, and Father Stephen Qazah became its first superior general. Throughout its history, the Holy Savior Monastery played a crucial role in the local community. It served as a refuge for the displaced, homeless, hungry, and those seeking refuge from the oppression of the Ottoman authorities. The monastery experienced several periods of restoration to preserve its historical significance and structural integrity. The last restoration took place in 2013, ensuring that the monastery continued to stand as a testament to its enduring history and cultural importance. The Holy Savior Monastery, historically serving as the center of the general presidency of the association until 1921, has evolved into a monastery dedicated to novices in the present day. Nestled within its walls is the sacred Church of the Savior, housing cherished relics from the past. One of the notable treasures preserved within the church is an ancient oil painting named "The Suffering Trinity." This artwork carries profound emotional depth and holds a place of reverence within the community, reminding all who behold it of the timeless spiritual journey. Adding to the artistic splendor, another precious possession within the church is an Armenian painting depicting the Nativity. This painting enriches the spiritual ambiance of the sanctuary, reflecting the shared heritage and faith of those who seek solace and inspiration within its halls. Moreover, the church stands as a memorial to the esteemed figures who have shaped the legacy of the monastery and the association it represents. The burials of Bishop Youhanna Al-Habib, the visionary founder of the Lebanese Missionaries Association, Father Estephan Qazzah, the dedicated first general president, and Bishop Shukrallah Khoury, a revered spiritual leader, grace the church grounds. As the monastery continues to embrace novices and nurture their spiritual growth, it remains an enduring symbol of devotion, compassion, and hope. The presence of these sacred artifacts and burials serves as a constant reminder of the monastery's illustrious past and the profound impact it has had on the lives of those who seek solace and enlightenment within its sanctuary.
يُشَكِّل وادي حولات، جزءًا من وادي قاديشا. بنيت كنيسة مارت شموني داخل تجويفٍ صخري، أواخر القرن الثاني عشر. تتألف من ثلاثة أسواق، إثنان أساسيّان مبنيان من الحجر والثالث محفور في الصَخر. كانت حتى ثمانينيّات القرن الماضي مَكسّوة بجداريات سريانيّة تعود للقرن الثالث عشر وتتشابه مع نظيراتها في بحديدات. على أبوابها نقوش مسيحانيّة ومريميّة.
The Church of Mart Shemouny- the valley of Houlat Hadshyt
The valley of Houlat is a part of the Qadisha valley. The church of Mart Shemouny was built in a rocky cliff, at the end of the XIIth century. It consists of three aisles: the two main ones are built with stone masonry, and the third is carved into the stone. Up until the 80’s the church was entirely covered by frescoes similar to those in Behdeidat. On the door are still visible Christological and Marial insignia.
Reviews are disabled, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.